New
Delhi
Modified cotton fabric has been developed
by the researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi which is
capable of adsorbing harmful air pollutants.
These fabrics are commonly known as
ZIF-8@CM Cotton and ZIF-67@CM Cotton. They fall under Zeolite Imidazolate
Framework (ZIF)-modified functionalised fabrics because they can absorb high
levels of organic air pollutants that include aniline, benzene, and styrene
from the air. The research team feels that pollution that is caused due to the
increasing levels of sulphur dioxide, carbon oxides, and nitrous oxides other
toxic volatile organic compounds is a big issue. The presence of these
particles in the environment takes a toll on the health of people and can cause
eye problems, throat infections, and even asthma.
According to Ashwini Agrawal, the Textile
and Fibre Engineering Department, IIT Delhi, with the help of this study, the
team has tried to show the functionalization of cotton fabric by ZIF MOFs
(ZIF-8 and ZIF-67) using a rapid, eco-friendly, scalable, and facile approach.
These fabrics can control gaseous pollutants that cannot be filtered using filter
media, he said. These are perfect for closed spaces like offices, homes,
theatres, airplanes, and other vehicles, he added.
These fabrics can also withstand the harsh
conditions of washing. They can also be used to design functional filters and
pollution-controlling fabrics. They can be regenerated by heating at 120
degrees Celsius and can be reused.
Source – Free Press Journal
Image Source: Wikipedia
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